News

Grand Jury Clears Officer Who Ended Nightclub Rampage

21st May 2005 Source: www.nbc4i.com

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The police officer who ended a fatal nightclub shooting spree by killing the gunman was cleared of wrongdoing by a grand jury. The panel's decision not to indict Officer James Niggemeyer was expected, Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien said Friday.

"There was little doubt (the shooting) was lawful, given the 200 eyewitnesses and the circumstances that surrounded the shooting. Nevertheless, we still have an independent body review the facts," O'Brien said.

With no backup, Niggemeyer entered the Alrosa Villa nightclub on Dec. 8 and fired a single shotgun blast that killed Nathan Gale, who had shot and killed four people during a concert by the band Damageplan. ne of those killed by Gale was renowned heavy metal guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. Gale, 25, was still shooting and had taken a hostage when the officer came in.

Niggemeyer spoke publicly about the incident for the first time to NBC 4 earlier this month.

"I remember the names of all five of the victims that night," Niggemeyer said. "I remember the date. I remember everything really well, and I'm sure I'll never forget it."

Niggemeyer said he has received e-mails from around the world since the incident.

"A lot of the e-mails were saying, you know, they were heavy metal rockers, and they never got along with police in the past," Niggemeyer said. "And this really changed their view on how police are now where they live and how they treat police now. And I think that's great."

When asked if he would do it again, he said, "Absolutely, if I had to."

Gale had told his mother and a former employer that he was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic before he was discharged from the Marines in October 2003, two years into a four-year stint. Military records do not mention mental illness as the reason for the discharge.

Gale was a fan of Abbott's former band Pantera, nominated for a Grammy in 1994. Damageplan formed after Pantera broke up.

Niggemeyer, 31, was nominated for a bravery award sponsored by the television program "America's Most Wanted." The winner will be announced on the show May 28.